The Mennonite Brethren churches in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are asking for prayer as they combat the spread of Ebola disease across central Africa.
The world is responding to the outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, which has been prevalent in Congo and Uganda. Congo reports 782 confirmed cases and 178 confirmed deaths from Ebola as of June 13.
Garry Prieb, retired Multiply employee who grew up in Congo, shared updates with the Christian Leader via email after connecting in early June with Ernest Kishaku of the Community of Mennonite Brethren Churches in Congo. Kishaku serves in the Kivu province (a large region in the eastern part of the country).
As of June 6, Kishaku says that some church members located in the city of Goma (in the North-Kivu province of DRC), have shown signs of the disease and are under observation in treatment centers. Other churches and communities across the country are also vulnerable to the spread of the disease.
“…This epidemic profoundly affects our daily lives…”
A seven-page Request for Ebola guide shared by Kishaku and the Mennonite Brethren churches in Congo states: “Beyond the statistics, this epidemic profoundly affects our daily lives. Our families live in constant worry. Our communities are exposed to fear and uncertainty. Economic activities are disrupted. Cross-border movements are uncontrolled from one city to another. Schools and churches are forced to operate in fear.”
Prieb provided an update on June 9 from a pastor in Goma, who said all roads leading north out of the city and east toward Rwanda had been closed. The pastor reported seven cases in the Ndosha MB Church (a major neighborhood within Goma) as well as three cases at Bethsaida MB Church. At the risk of prison, authorities are mandating that all homes and churches have wash basins at the entrance.
Prayers are needed for the sick and those currently under medical observation. Kishaku also requests prayers for survivors of the virus, “that they may regain their health and dignity and their place within their communities, without suffering rejection or discrimination.
“Let us pray for the affected families, often facing fear, isolation and serious economic difficulties.”
Other physical needs
In addition to prayer, Kishaku shares that the most urgent needs of the Community of Mennonite Brethren Churches in Congo include:
- Handwashing kits;
- Support for food distribution;
- Mattress pads, mattresses and sheets; and
- Psychosocial support for survivors.
Prieb restates the need to lift up the people and communities during this time of uncertainty: “We would request your prayers as these churches and all people in the eastern region of Congo go through a very difficult period.”
Lacey joined the Christian Leader staff as editor in July 2025. She has more than two decades of experience in editorial writing and strategic communications, creating and editing content for newspaper, magazines, websites and email campaigns. Lacey, her husband and their two girls live in Wichita, Kansas, and attend Ridgepoint Church.
